Breast Cancer and Menopause

Menopause itself is not associated with an increased risk of developing
cancer. However, the rates of many cancers, including breast cancer, do
increase with age. In addition, some of the drugs used to manage menopausal
symptoms may increase or decrease a person's cancer risk.

What Are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?

Certain factors increase the risk of developing breast cancer. However,
having many risk factors does not mean a woman will develop breast cancer, and
having no risk factors does not mean she will not develop the disease.

Age is the single-most important risk factor for breast cancer. The chances
of developing the disease increase with age. About 70% of women diagnosed with
breast cancer each year are over age 50, and almost half are age 65 and
older.

Personal risk is also greater if an immediate family member (mother, sister,
or daughter) has had breast cancer, particularly if it was at an early age.
Also, women who have had a breast biopsy (removal of breast tissue) that shows
certain types of benign disease, such as atypical hyperplasia, are more likely
to get breast cancer.